Why Dinesh Chandimal is Not Playing Today in SL vs IND 2nd Test in Colombo?

The second Test between Sri Lanka and India is being played at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo. Hosts Sri Lanka are under pressure after losing the first match and will be eager for a better performance here.

Apart from the performance, Sri Lanka have been hit with several injuries with the veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal joining the list recently. It is a blow for the Sri Lankan top order which failed to put up any substantial performance at Galle.

Why Dinesh Chandimal is Not Playing Today Match?

Dinesh Chandimal suffered concussion during the first Test match at Galle while fielding at the boundary. During the fourth day of the SL vs IND 1st Test, Chandimal injured himself baddly while trying to save a boundary.

He was seen clutching his neck and shoulder repeatedly and was attended by the team physio as well. The 36-year-old was taken off the field and sent to the hospital for scans. In the mean time, he was ruled out of the remainder of the match as part of concussion rules.

Pasindu Sooriyabandara replaced Dinesh Chandimal as the concussion substitute. It was also the international debut for Sooriyabandara, however, it came in the middle of a match. He was unfortunately dismissed for a golden duck on his Test debut.

Who Will Replace Dinesh Chandimal At No 3 For Sri Lanka?

With no Chandimal, Kamil Mishara is expected to bat at No. 3 for Sri Lanka in this game. Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva had confirmed a day earlier that Mishara will play the SL vs IND 2nd Test, which will also be his Test debut.

Mishara, who will be Dinesh Chandimal replacement for this match, is likely to play at No. 3 and will have a big role to play at this position. The talented left-hander has already impressed in white-ball cricket and it is time for him to showcase his red-ball potential now.

Kamil Mishara Test debut comes at a time when Sri Lanka are desperately looking for a win in order to keep their hopes alive for the next year's World Test Championship final. They have a big task in hand against one of the best cricket teams in the world. If they lose this match, they will be in danger of bowing out of the race for the final.